Trailing badly in the second quarter, plagued with foul problems, copping a belting on the boards and staring at bottom spot on the ladder, the Hawks showed tremendous spirit in firstly eating into the deficit and then completely dictating the closing stages.

"Super, super proud of the guys. Our backs were against the wall," Beveridge enthused.

"No question that from an effort perspective Adelaide were outstanding in that first half, absolutely relentless on the glass.

"Everything that went up, they went after.

"The team that is more physical always gets away with a bit more and I thought we were a bit soft.

"To give up 20 offensive rebounds (up to halftime) and put them to the line (with) 21 free throws to five is very, very difficult (to overcome).

"I thought we were in a lot of trouble.

"Adelaide are great on their home court which makes the win even more special. We don't win that often here."

Illawarra's rescue mission was evenly spread with seven players scoring between eight and 13 points, while the visitors' switch to a zone defence forced the wayward Sixers into miserable returns of 31.8 per cent from the floor and just 7.4 per cent from three-point territory.

"We got hurt so bad off the dribble and rebounding that we had to go to the zone," Beveridge said.